This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.This material reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein

Case Studies

Case Studies

The aim of the project was to create opportunities for teaching and learning the Norwegian language. The learning material and the content of the course consider also the needs of individual learners. The course is for beginners as well as for intermediate level learners, it has been divided into 5 chapters according to the themes. Each theme consists of introduction to the theme, grammar and expressions part; vocabulary and expressions have been supported by voice thread. Each chapter ends with a "culture corner" and with facts about Norway, the learner has also a choice of links connected with the theme.

Description of the context and of the needs the initiative responds to reasons for selecting the specific thematic area, target group and target language(s).
There was a huge increase of demanding Norwegian language courses in from ca 2007, the groups were filled up quickly in every language school that provided Norwegian. Obviously that was one of reasons that our NGO (MTÜ Norra Sõbrad) and especially member whose area was language teaching got enormous amount of questions and email from people wanted to learn Norwegian individually or by web/email. This was the starting point. The starting point of developing the course matched well with annually Adult Learners Week. So we tried to unit these objects and develop an introducing course that also served the aim to introduce web-based learning and adult learning.
All work establishing the course on web and feedback providing to users is based on not-paid voluntary work.
This project was meant as a pilot project and therefore established in Estonian. While developing the web course we had a wider perspective to turn this course into English later on. As today we haven’t reached this aim due to some problems with time recourses.

Objectives

To introduce web based learning, to get adult learners more used to learn and take care of individual learning. To give a presentation web course of Norwegian.

Approach

Evaluation strategy adopted

Results

As the result of the web course and presenting it in 2009 at Adult Learners Week, the course is still available and actively used. We can see the statistics of clicks and feedback we get. We have developed a feedback form that we ask to fill in after finished 5.lesson.
The users have indicated their interest to see more lessons coming. Unfortunately the course providers haven’t had chance to fill upon this wish.

Why the European Language Label?

According to the project coordinator Piia Palge-LepikI, she does not remember anymore who came to idea to present this web course and take part of the competition of Estonian Language Label. They were happy to receive this award and quite surprised too in fact. They didn’t think that a web course and in language that is not an official European language can be seen.

Activities following the award of the European Language Label

The course providers would like to develop the course and adjust it since it’s now getting some years form starting point and the course needs some refreshing. In order to do that there is a need for work team and good time schedule. This course was established as a product of voluntary work. In order to work more with this course there is need for more professional input.

Assessment of the Impact of the European Language Label

According to the project coordinator Piia Palge-LepikI, she cannot see any benefits of receiving the ELL. The target group is still small and limited just to Estonian market.

Recommendations for future applicants for the ELL

Unfortunately, the project coordinator Piia Palge-LepikI did not provide any recommendations for future applicants for the ELL.

An audio- video presentation of the NELLIP project has been created and made available in the Information section of the NELLIP portal. To access the presentation please click here: http://nellip.pixel-online.org/IF_intro.php.